Sumahan On The WatervsRaffles Istanbul
Both Sumahan on the Water and Raffles Istanbul are rated very highly by professional reviewers writing for major publications. On balance, Sumahan on the Water scores significantly better than Raffles Istanbul. Sumahan on the Water scores 88 with recommendations from 10 reviews such as Condé Nast Traveler, Hideaway Report and National Geographic.
Sumahan On The Water Show All Reviews
Kuleli Cad. No:51 Cengelkoy, Uskudar, Istanbul 34684, Turkey
From $226/night
- Bar/Lounge
- Free Internet
- Room Service
- Shuttle Bus
- Laundry Service
- Concierge
Concierge
"One of Istanbul's most talked-about boutique hotels, the recently refurbished Sumahan on the Water hugs the Asian shore of the Bosphorus in the village of Çengelköy."
i
When to go: April, May, June, September, and October, to avoid the summer crowds and humidity.
Fodor's
"What was once a derelict distillery on the Asian waterfront of the Bosphorus is now one of Istanbul's most chic and original places to stay, with comfortable rooms and suites." Full review
Condé Nast Traveler
99.6
"Istanbul’s Asian coast, lined with wooden yali... has charming little neighborhoods, including bustling Çengelköy, now the site of one of the city’s most luxurious small hotels." Full review
Star Service
"On the Asian side of the Bosporus, this delightful design boutique-hotel is in a world of its own, offering peaceful luxury with beautiful views away from the hustle and bustle of Istanbul." Full review
i
Be sure to know the street address as many taxi drivers may be unfamiliar with its hideaway location.
Frommer's
"Highlights include duplexes, bathrooms swathed in the same Marmara marble found in Topkapi and Dolmabahçe, and a studied forethought even to the placement of the soaps." Full review
The Telegraph
9.0
"Formerly an Ottoman-era distillery, this place was converted into an award-winning hotel by its discerning Turkish-American owners." Full review
Travel + Leisure
"To convert a 19th-century Istanbul distillery into a boutique hotel, owner-architects Mark and Nedret Butler looked to the Bosporus for inspiration." Full review
National Geographic
"Serene boutique hotel on Asian shore." Full review
Hideaway Report
92.0
"Attractive hotel in a three-story former raki distillery at the water’s edge on the Asian shore of the Bosphorus." Full review
Time Out
"Sumahan on the Water is located on the edge of the Bosphorus, providing a picturesque view that is second to none." Full review
Raffles Istanbul
Zorlu Center | Besiktas, Istanbul 34340, Turkey
From $217/night
- Pet Friendly
- Bar/Lounge
- Hot Tub
- Free Internet
- Room Service
- Laundry Service
Condé Nast Traveler
"Channels the city’s Byzantine charm and mystery with gorgeous views from almost every room and lush Turkish textiles." Full review
Star Service
" With facilities catering to business travelers, families, couples, and VIPs, the 11th member of the international Raffles chain of luxury hotels has broad appeal." Full review
Wallpaper
"All rooms feature a balcony with the best views overlooking the Bosphorus and the Princes’ Islands." Full review
Oyster
Kid-Friendly
"Raffles Istanbul is a five-pearl property with dramatic, art-filled interiors situated in an upscale mall and residential complex, about a 30-minute drive from the top tourist sights." Full review
The Telegraph
9.0
"Unlike the majority of luxury hotels in Istanbul, Raffles does not pay homage to the city’s bygone Byzantine and Ottoman eras, but stands instead as a symbol of a modern, self-confident Turkey." Full review
Jetsetter
"Opulent, ultra-mod newcomer overlooking the Bosphorus with a rooftop cinema, lavish spa and Michelin-starred chef." Full review
U.S. News & World Report
2.0
"Recent travelers are confident in their proclamations that the Raffles Istanbul is one of the best hotels they have ever stayed in." Full review
Independent
"Set away from central Istanbul in the shiny Zorlu Centre and the business district – but easily reached by metro – Raffles Istanbul is as stylishly modern as its sleek surroundings"
Travel + Leisure
"A romantic stay at Raffles Istanbul comes with sweeping panoramic views of the Bosphorus, stylish accommodations featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and private balconies (yes, there's 24-hour butler service, too), world-class gastronomic experiences, and a spa with couples rooms and Turkish baths"
The 15 Most Romantic Hotels in the World
January 31, 2023
Michelin Guide
"Historical references are present, of course, especially in the artwork...every room is assigned a personal butler, and the facilities include the full luxury-hotel treatment" Full review